Frederick, Md. – The Royals softball team went up against the Blazers of Hood College on Thursday for a double header. This non-conference matchup would be the seventh and eight games of the season for EMU.

In this first game EMU used an early push to gain a lead in a tight contest, then Hood College extended their lead to come out on top 13-5. In the second game of the double header the Royals would come up short to the Blazers 10-2.

Game One
Records: EMU 4-4, 0-0 ODAC | HC 3-3, 0-0 MAC

WP: Jordan Long (W, 2-1)
LP: Natalye Graham (L, 1-1)

Highlights
• In the top of the first, Samantha Hensley got things started for the Royals as she doubled to center field and earned an RBI as Reese Rogers scored. The Blazers would then respond in the bottom of the first scoring 3 runs, Hood College led EMU 3-1 through the first inning.

• Through the second and fourth innings the Royals would retake the lead by scoring four more runs. In the top of the second, Autumn Bailey singled to center field and earned herself an RBI as right fielder Emerson Adkins scored. In the top of the fourth, Hensley singled to right field as Rogers reached home plate. Grace Fravel would then be given an RBI as she singled and advanced on the throw. This would allow Kailyn Fletcher to score a run. Becca Boone capped off the inning with a single to right field allowing Hensley to get home for a score.

• The Royals would head into the fifth inning with a lead of 5-3 over the Blazers. However, Hood College would respond to the Royals runs with scores from Jocelyn Pfleiger, Rachel Benden, and Alyssa Walters. The Blazers would lead 6-5 over EMU as they headed into the sixth inning. In the bottom of the sixth the Royals would come up short as Hood College would score 7 runs ending the contest in six innings 13-5.

Statistical Leaders
Hensley: 2-4, 2B, 2 RBI, 1R
Boone: 2-3, 1 RBI
Rogers: 2-4, 2R

Game Two
Records: EMU 4-3, 0-0 ODAC | HC 3-3, 0-0 MAC

WP: Rebecca Gottleib (W, 3-0)
LP: Kaitlyn Fletcher (L, 2-2)

Highlights
• Through the first and third innings the Blazers were able to build up a 10-0 lead over the Royals through efforts from Pfleiger, Saunders, and Benden.

• It was in the top of the first inning where EMU was able to add to their side of the scoreboard as third baseman Reese Rogers singled up the middle of the field, gaining an RBI as Grace Connor ran in for a score. Kaitlyn Fletcher then singled to the center of the field and also received an RBI as second baseman Carsen Brake reached home.

Statistical Leaders
Fletcher: 2-3, 1 RBI
Brake: 1-1, 1R
Rogers: 1-3, 1 RBI

What’s Next
The EMU Royals will return home to matchup with the Green Terror of McDaniel College. This game will be a non-conference contest with the first game being held at 1:30 pm.

— EMU Athletics —